Roberson Museum Director Michael Grasso Featured on Southern Tier Close Up

The Roberson Museum and Science Center in Binghamton is moving into the summer with fresh ideas as discussed by Director Michael Grasso on Southern Tier Close Up.

Grasso, a Southern Tier native who took over as Executive Director of Roberson in November appears on the May 26 edition of the weekly, local public affairs program to share what he has learned in his first six months on the job and some of the ideas he has for the evolution of the iconic facility on Front Street.

Grasso says even as programs and exhibit subjects have evolved over the years, there is always work to be done to move the museum and the public's perception of Roberson's mission forward. Grasso says one of those new efforts involves a "pay it forward" system that allows patrons to cover the admission for individuals or families who may otherwise skip a visit to Roberson even with the already low cost of admission. The effort also reaches out to groups of residents who may not consider a museum experience by reaching out to officials in the Department of Social Services.

Grasso also says many residents may not realize just what Roberson has to offer in a community the size of Binghamton. He points out the area is lucky to have a facility that not only showcases local history, often in whimsical ways as is the case with the train room, but is one of the few smaller science centers to have a planetarium with regular shows.

Summer programs range from food and fitness to propaganda and activities geared to children. Grasso says Roberson now also includes "before and after care programs."

Information about Roberson Museum, programs and times as well as ways to contact the museum if anyone is interested in Grasso's interest in a possible volunteer docent program can be found at www.roberson.org or by calling the museum at (607) 772-0660. Questions about the possible future docent program should be directed to Michael Grasso.